Steps for double cropping taken up
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 05 2020:
Driven by the apprehension that the State may face shortage of rice this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, Agriculture Department has initiated necessary measures for double cropping of paddy over 8240 hectares in the valley districts.
Agriculture Department has initiated necessary measures for double cropping of paddy following the assurance of Minor Irrigation Department that irrigation facility would be provided to the 8240 hectares, informed a source.
Agriculture Department's certification cell has already started inspection to buy paddy seeds from farmers who have been engaged in double cropping of paddy since past.
Once the inspection cell certifies that the paddy seeds are fit for cultivation, the paddy seeds would be distributed to farmers.
Farmers would be given a subsidy of 60 per cent while buying the paddy seeds, said the source.
Moreover, Agriculture Department has stocked sufficient quantity of fertilizers.
With the arrival of pre-monsoon, many farmers have started tilling their fields although large tracts of paddy fields still remain parched, added the source.
Last year paddy production was also hit hard following a poor monsoon with many paddy fields turning dry and barren and poor harvest, despite the best steps taken up .